t-DPT/DScPT Course Descriptions

PTH500: Doctoral Colloquium (2 Cr)
A degree orientation course, which will include introduction to the degree(s), utilization of services at Andrews University; introduction to the Guide to Physical Therapy Practice; development of the degree contract and portfolio review.

PTH541: Physiological Basis for Exercise Prescription: Level I (3 Cr)
Using the system of Medical Exercise Therapy founded by Odvar Holten, this course covers the physiological basis for exercise prescription specifically related to the healing procss. Testing strategies, formulas for exercise dosing and equipment conducive to this approach will be presented along with computer software developed to assist dosage and patient tracking.

PTH549: Principles of Contemporary Leadership (3 Cr)
Theory and application of complexity sciences to organizational management; exploration of key leadership roles and changing paradigm; presentation of methods to maximize personal and professional life.

PTH460/590: Topics in Comparative Religion (2 Cr)
This course surveys the major religious traditions of the world. Study includes an overview of origins; major philosophical and theological underpinnings; typical aspects of worship and ethics; and major social, cultural, and political influences. Study is done from a consciously Christian framework.

PTH608: Post Operative Managment of Common Orhtopedic Surgeries (2 Cr)
An online course covering the most common surgical procedures in orthopedic clinical practice and principles for successful postoperative management in physical therapy practice.

PTH609: Evidenced Based Orthopedic Clinical Practice (2 Cr)
An online review of research methodology and design and data analysis designed to allow an objective analysis of the literature concerning aspects of clinical practice. Covers the current research evidence regarding orthopedic clinical practice with analysis toward clinical utilization.

PTH630: Clinical Research (2 Cr)
Introduces the student to the basic concepts of biostatistics and research design and the formulation of evidence based practice strategies.

PTH645: Physical Therapy Administration and Leadership (4 Cr)
A study of the organizational structures, operations, and financing of healthcare delivery institutions and an examination of the organization and interrelationship of their professional and support elements. Application of current health care management strategies and theory are related to the acute-care facility and independent practice.

PTH646: Spirituality in Health Care (3 Cr)
A discussion of individual spiritual values; spiritual values from a Christian perspective; how faith and spirituality facilitate the healing process, and how these can be incorporated into patient care. Attention will be given to discerning/addressing the spiritual needs of the patients/clients, family members and ancillary medical staff in a professional environment.

PTH647: Differential Diagnosis (2 or 3 Cr)
Analysis of the decision-making process, with special focus on clinical guidelines, Physical Therapy Guide to Practice, and differential diagnosis. Differential diagnosis is addressed through comparison of systemic signs and symptoms, as well as appropriate diagnostic tests which may indicate involvement of a problem outside of the scope of PT practice.

PTH718: Clinical Screening & Differential Diagnosis (3 Cr)
Knowledge and clinical skills designed for screening patients for medical conditions. Differential diagnosis is addressed through comparison of systematic signs and symptoms. Appropriate diagnostic tests which may indicate involvement of a problem outside the scope of PT practice are addressed. Enhances professional communication with other health care practitioners included in the referral process.

PTH740: Advanced Topics in Clinical Research (3 Cr)
This course continues to cover the topics introduced in PTH630 in a more in-depth fashion. The student will learn how to set up a research study as well as, review the literature and analyze the validity of the information presented. An introduction to setting up outcome studies will also be covered.

PTH748: Education Techniques for Health Care Professionals (1 or 2 Cr)
Examines and applies educational theory to skills utilized by the physical therapist in the classroom, community, and clinical facility. Topics include the educational role of the physical therapist, the taxonomies of learning, learning styles, multiple intelligence, and education technology.

PTH760: Applications in Clinical Research (2 Cr)
Information presented on how to develop and present a publishable quality case study. Actual practice of doing an outcomes study in a clinical environment.

PTH750: Professional Communication and Consulting (2 Cr)
An introduction to the integration of the physical therapist as a consultant. Discussion will include applying physical therapy consultation to services to individuals, business, schools, government agencies and/or other organizations.

PTH798: Capstone Experience (1-10 Cr)
Serves as an essential outcome component to augment the professional development and new learning that occurs in didactic course work and demonstrates the ability of the graduate to make significant contributions to the profession and/or serve as a change agent in the field of physical therapy.

PTH537: NAIOMT Level II: Intermediate Upper Quadrant (3Cr)
A comprehensive biomechanical and anatomical review of the upper thoracic, upper and lower cervical spine, shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand. Specific biomechanical assessment of each area is taught along with appropriate and effective treatment techniques for common injuries and mechanical dysfunctions.

PTH538: NAIOMT Level II: Intermediate Lower Quadrant (3 Cr)
A comprehensive biomechanical and anatomical review of the lower thoracic and lumbar spines, the hip, knee ankle and foot. Specific biomechanical assessment of each area is taught along with appropriate treatment techniques for common injuries and dysfunctions.

PTH546: NAIOMT Level III: Advanced Upper Quadrant (3 Cr)
Builds on the techniques learned in Level II and helps the student understand the kinetic chain inter-relationships of the upper quadrant. Integrates information generated in the assessment to understand how remote dysfunctions can be casual or contributory. Advanced techniques are demonstrated along with new material on temporo-mandibular joint material and peripheral manipulation skills. Prerequisite: PTH537

PTH547: NAIOMT Level III: Advanced Lower Quadrant (3Cr)
Builds on the techniques learned in Level II and helps the student understand the kinetic chain inter-relationships in the lower quadrant. Presents advanced biomechanical tests and treatment and includes the sacroiliac and pubic joints. Discusses the integration of examination and treatment techniques. Prerequisite: PTH538

PTH548: NAIOMT Level IV: High Velocity Manipulation (3 Cr)
Instructs the student on the indications and contra-indications, as well as, the safe and effective application of spinal, pelvic, and costal manipulation techniques. Prerequisites: PTH546 and 547

PTH550: NAIOMT Supervised Clinical Practice (4 Cr)
Using a 3- to-1 model, students will be required to do a minimum of 60 supervised clinical hours applying hands-on techniques with patients under the supervision of a certified NAIOMT clinical instructor. These hours can be done all at one time or split up according to the students desire.

PTH557: NAIOMT: Thoracic Spine (2 Cr)
Lecture/lab course studying the thoracic spine as a source of spinal dysfunction. Emphasis is placed on a biomechanical model for detailed examination and treatment of the thoracic spine and costovertebral dysfunctions.

ELECTIVES
Students may develop a personal elective plan in areas of interest. Electives may involve continuing education courses available closer to home, or they may be chosen from the list of specialty courses on the NAIOMT web site. If there are enough students interested in one course, it can be offered on the Andrews Campus.

PTH690: Independent Study (2 Cr)
The student, working with their advisor and following degree/course guidelines will develop an independent 40 hour learning contract with a qualified clinical specialist to facilitate intensive focused clinical training in a field of study of their choosing.